Concordia sheriff says he will retire

VIDALIA, La. (AP) - Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell says he plans to retire at the end of his current term of office in 2012. The Natchez Democrat reports Maxwell made his announcement Tuesday. Maxwell said if he can't give the people of Concordia Parish 100 percent, he doesn't want to serve as the sheriff. The sheriff also cited a desire to spend more time with his family as a reason for his decision. Maxwell said he enjoyed his 20-plus years serving as sheriff. Hel said the decision was tough, but he was glad to leave the sheriff's office in good financial shape, with all equipment, facilities and projects paid for, money in the bank and a history of clean audits.